OK, so I haven’t been the most prompt in getting out a post-game blog about Lee’s win against Keller on Thursday. But hey, it’s the first week, so I was hoping I might get some slack.

Now with that being said, here’s four observations from the Rebels’ 28-26 victory on Thursday afternoon, oh wait, evening at Grande Communications Stadium.

1. The defense was strong

The first game of any season can be tough on a defense because the players haven’t played together and even though they were in a live scrimmage, it still doesn’t simulate the atmosphere of a game.

Lee’s defense, under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Pair, looked like a solid unit in its first game against Keller. The Rebels did a good job of shutting down Keller’s running game, and with the exception of the quick-strike scoring drive in the fourth quarter they held the Indians in check most of the night.

Plus a touchdown on a turnover and a special teams TD made the game look closer than it was, and that was in part because of the play of Lee’s defense.

Allowing two offensive touchdowns to a team such as Keller is something the team can look back on and build from. OK, the Indians are not Southlake Carroll but if Lee’s defense can continue to play that solid they will give the Rebels a chance each week, no matter the opponent.

2. Need more Nunez

I know Kaleb Nunez was blanketed for much of the game on Thursday, but the Rebels have got to figure out ways to get him the ball more. Teams are game planning to stop him, but that’s part of the chess match. The field will open up for Nunez as the season progresses if Lee’s outside receivers can be threats themselves. Lee’s outside passing game has to improve to open up the middle. Lee has four more games to work on its passing game prior to district play starting, so they have some time.

3. You can certainly tell there’s been a change at offensive coordinator

It is amazing how one coaching move can make a difference in what a team does from season to season, even without a change in head coach. The Rebels used more zone-read and option plays in Thursday’s game than in any game last season.

That could be that the Rebels are taking advantage of the personnel they have and that Jon Scwalbach’s legs are going to be used more than Caden Coots. Former OC Cliff Watkins liked to air it out, while I think Scot Hafley may like to run a little more. It will be interesting to watch.

4. The clock rules have to be changed

I know high schools have instituted the new 40-second play clock rule, but it’s time they go to the NFL rules of not stopping the clock for first downs. And when the ball is out of bounds after a completed pass or run when the ball is set the clock should restart. Lee’s game took nearly three hours to play on Friday, and that’s way too long. And the Greenwood-Seminole score fest at the Wig Wam took well over three hours. The other option is go to a 7 p.m. start time. Other states have done it and maybe it’s time Texas looks at it because games that are finishing at 10:30 p.m. or after doesn’t make.